Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the Champions Trophy on Thursday with an abdominal muscle injury and Imam-ul-Haq has been called up as his replacement. Fakhar hurt himself while chasing a ball during Wednesday's defeat by New Zealand and spent significant time off the field,

India has refused to play its Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, which is hosting its first major global tournament in almost 30 years.

Pakistan is hosting its first major cricket event since 1996, but a feud with India has compromised a tournament that is now also being played in Dubai.

New Zealand underlined their title aspirations with a 60-run victory against defending champions Pakistan in a Group A match of the Champions Trophy at the National Stadium on Wednesday. Will Young struck 107 and Tom Latham smashed an unbeaten 118 to help New Zealand overcome a sluggish start and post a commanding 320-5 after being put into bat.

Pakistan’s 29-year wait to host a major International Cricket Council tournament ended Wednesday when it won the toss and elected to field in the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand in Karachi.

Pakistan are hosting an ICC event for the first time in almost three decades. The Champions Trophy provides a stage for an imperfect team to perform.

Pakistan's largest city was abuzz with anticipation and apprehension Wednesday as the hosts played the opening match of the nation's first major international cricket tournament in three decades. Pakistan last held a major international tournament as World Cup co-hosts with India and Sri Lanka in 1996.